FOR the past four decades the mere mention of Poland in the context of World Cup qualifying has been enough to send a shiver down the spine of every Englishman.

Their minds instantly wander back to 1973 and the qualifying campaign that ended in disaster at the hands of the Poles.

To be specific, the gloved hands of Jan Tomaszewski did the real damage as the keeper labelled a “clown” by Brian Clough produced the performance of his life at Wembley to earn a 1-1 draw.

So it was off to Germany for the Poles in the summer of ’74 while the English holidayed at home.

The clown keeper had the last laugh in ’73 but England boss Roy Hodgson couldn’t help but have a chuckle yesterday at the idea the current Three Lions crop are still haunted by past failures.

And history is undoubtedly on Hodgson’s side in this instance.

The reality is England have trod the path to Poland plenty of times and only lost once – under Ramsey in 1973 – five months before that infamous clash at Wembley sealed his side’s fate.

Hodgson said: “I remember Sir Alf was going into his 10th year as manager but his ageing team were unable to qualify in 1974.

“What happened against Jan Tomaszewski at Wembley was a bitter moment but the fact is historical moments don’t interest me. I don’t dismiss history but the bottom line for us is working for today and tomorrow.

“It’s about what we’re trying to build. A knowledge of history gives you some perspective but it doesn’t help you win matches.

“I’m not sure how this Poland team compares with that one, although they were third in the ’74 and ’78 World Cups so I guess that tells us.”

The past is therefore no problem for Hodgson when he takes his side to Warsaw in Group G action tonight – but his immediate future as England boss will be dictated by the outcome of the clash.

If his troops down the Poles and see off San Marino and Montenegro in their next two games, a spot in Rio will be all but secured.

But draw tonight and the fear of failure will haunt his squad for the next 12 months.

Lose and the heat will be on Hodgson every time he calls his squad together.

The boss said: “You’re aware of the fact that, when you’re playing against your biggest rivals in the group, it adds that bit of spice.

“But we feel the responsibility in every game to go out there and win it in the right way.

“People judge you when they want to judge you. I’ve always, as a manager or coach, been under the impression that every time your team plays people will have opinions about how they played or the way you set them out.

“I’m more than happy with the response I’ve had so far. They’ve committed 100 per cent to what we’re trying to do.

“I’m aware that when defeats come the criticism will be levelled against me and the team.”

So far, Hodgson’s only defeat as England boss came by way of a penalty shootout against Italy at Euro 2012 in the summer.

And he gave himself a fine chance of adding another win to his record tonight by resting many of his stars for the 5-0 romp against San Marino.

For England, this is the one that counts and the side that takes to the field in Warsaw will reflect that.

Only Phil Jagielka of the back line will remain. Steven Gerrard is back with the armband and at the centre of affairs, Hodgson favourite James Milner will work the right flank.

Jermain Defoe is also expected to return to the fold as Wayne Rooney’s partner in attack.

And the returning stars really should have too much for the Poles.

New gaffer Waldemar Fornalik, who replaced Franciszek Smuda after a tame Euro 2012 exit, has struggled to get his players on side.

Confidence is low in the home camp but Hodgson knows his men can’t take this one lightly.

He added: “We know we’ll face a very highly motivated team with a vocal and enthusiastic support because we are a scalp.

“Poland will be rubbing their hands with glee at this game because if they can win it’s a feather in their cap.

“We have to make sure we’re not the victims. When you play away, games can be more open. They have to come at us whereas at Wembley, teams try to hit us on the break.”